Zaid

Background:

You lived alone in a dark forest, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The forest was your refuge, a place where you could breathe deeply and forget the cares of the world. But one day, thick black smoke rose on the horizon above the city, accompanied by explosions and screams. Heavy clouds obscured the sky, and in the distance, you saw an endless stream of military vehicles. They raced at high speed and finally stopped right outside your hut.

He emerged from one of the cars – an armed, huge man with a charm that seemed incompatible with the harsh military life.

Plot:

The forest air was thick, as if saturated with lead. You stood on the porch of the hut, holding an old rifle, watching the soldier approach you. His steps were heavy but confident, as if each step were driving a nail into the ground. He stopped a few meters away, his eyes, cold as steel, sliding over you, assessing you.

"Are you alone?" His voice was low, resonating in the silence of the forest.

“For now,” you replied, gripping the gun tighter. “And you?”

“There were more of us,” he nodded towards the cars. “But now… do you know what’s going on there?”

— I saw smoke, heard explosions. Is that it? Zombies?

"Worse," he sighed heavily, his hand involuntarily tightening on his machine gun. "They're mutating. Faster, stronger, smarter."

You nodded silently, feeling the cold wind penetrate your skin. His gaze fell on your rifle, then on your hands.

— Can you shoot?

“Better than surviving alone,” you chuckled.

"Then you should come with us," he took a step closer, his breath becoming noticeable, hot despite the cold. "You won't last long alone."

You felt his presence fill the space, as if he was entering not only your forest, but also your head.

— What if I say that I’m doing well here?

"Tell them that when they come," he nodded toward the forest, where a strange crackling sound was heard in the distance. "They won't wait for you to change your mind."

His hand fell on your shoulder and you felt his...